By Dan Gilbert
The Kiwanis Club of Weston and Weston High School Key Club members were out in full force Saturday, January 25, 2025 receiving donations of shelf-stable food and personal care products for clients of the Weston Food Pantry.
With temperatures in the mid-teens, Kiwanians and Key Clubbers reached out to Westonites shopping at Lily’s Market and the Weston Pharmacy. The Community Food Pantry President Anne Bigin noted:
“For years, Kiwanis has been a steadfast partner to the Weston Food Pantry, helping to ensure that families facing food insecurity have free access to vital resources. Thanks to the collective effort of the Kiwanis members and dedicated students from Weston High School, the drive was a tremendous success. Over 40 bags of shelf-stable food, pet food, toiletries, and household products were gathered to replenish the pantry’s shelves.
The generosity didn’t stop at the physical donations. Residents of Weston also gave generously in the form of cash donations, raising a total of $416. The event not only provided essential items, but it also reinforced the sense of community spirit that defines Weston.”
The Community Food Pantry, Inc.‘s (d/b/a Weston Food Pantry) mission is to stock non-perishable items so that no one in Weston goes hungry. The Weston Food Pantry’s most significant activity is providing free supplemental food weekly to those with food insecurities.
In the photo (Photo credit to Jim McMorris), from left to right are Leka Mustafa, Julien Horovitz, Genevieve Small, Dan Gilbert, Anne Bigin (President Weston Food Pantry), Steve Thomas, Karen Chrisley, Phyllis Gary, Dallas Kersey, and Ryan Bigin. Not pictured above are Kiwanis volunteers Reed Ameden, Dave Burns, Tom Failla, Frank Ferrara, Jim McMorris, Judy Stripp, Ed Hutchins and Key Club volunteers Tabi Cappella (President Weston High School Key Club), India Kreger, Eleni Perez-Christoforidis, Charli Marto, and Antonina Chmiel, as well as, Justin Lisbon who helped move donated items to the food pantry.
Next up for our club is the Super Bowl party the club sponsors for veterans experiencing homelessness at Applied Behavioral Rehabilitation Institute’s transitional residences in Bridgeport: Homes for the Brave for men and The PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home, Connecticut’s first and only community-based transitional home exclusively for women veterans experiencing homelessness and their young children..
Last Updated: January 29, 2025 by Robert Uzenoff
Kiwanis Leads Food Drive
By Dan Gilbert
The Kiwanis Club of Weston and Weston High School Key Club members were out in full force Saturday, January 25, 2025 receiving donations of shelf-stable food and personal care products for clients of the Weston Food Pantry.
With temperatures in the mid-teens, Kiwanians and Key Clubbers reached out to Westonites shopping at Lily’s Market and the Weston Pharmacy. The Community Food Pantry President Anne Bigin noted:
“For years, Kiwanis has been a steadfast partner to the Weston Food Pantry, helping to ensure that families facing food insecurity have free access to vital resources. Thanks to the collective effort of the Kiwanis members and dedicated students from Weston High School, the drive was a tremendous success. Over 40 bags of shelf-stable food, pet food, toiletries, and household products were gathered to replenish the pantry’s shelves.
The generosity didn’t stop at the physical donations. Residents of Weston also gave generously in the form of cash donations, raising a total of $416. The event not only provided essential items, but it also reinforced the sense of community spirit that defines Weston.”
The Community Food Pantry, Inc.‘s (d/b/a Weston Food Pantry) mission is to stock non-perishable items so that no one in Weston goes hungry. The Weston Food Pantry’s most significant activity is providing free supplemental food weekly to those with food insecurities.
In the photo (Photo credit to Jim McMorris), from left to right are Leka Mustafa, Julien Horovitz, Genevieve Small, Dan Gilbert, Anne Bigin (President Weston Food Pantry), Steve Thomas, Karen Chrisley, Phyllis Gary, Dallas Kersey, and Ryan Bigin. Not pictured above are Kiwanis volunteers Reed Ameden, Dave Burns, Tom Failla, Frank Ferrara, Jim McMorris, Judy Stripp, Ed Hutchins and Key Club volunteers Tabi Cappella (President Weston High School Key Club), India Kreger, Eleni Perez-Christoforidis, Charli Marto, and Antonina Chmiel, as well as, Justin Lisbon who helped move donated items to the food pantry.
Next up for our club is the Super Bowl party the club sponsors for veterans experiencing homelessness at Applied Behavioral Rehabilitation Institute’s transitional residences in Bridgeport: Homes for the Brave for men and The PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home, Connecticut’s first and only community-based transitional home exclusively for women veterans experiencing homelessness and their young children..
Category: Blog Post
Upcoming events
Club Meeting. Breakfast. Program: Pulling Together - Lisa Brodlie, Sarah Hutchison & Mike Aitkenhead A community plan to teach invasive plant management and other restoration strategies in the town of Weston.
Pulling Together members Lisa Brodlie, Sarah Hutchison, and Mike Aikenhead will discuss the volunteer group's work. The group's goal is to educate neighbors and show them how to respect existing wetlands, identify and remove invasive plants, and encourage the use of native plants to decrease soil erosion, improve wildlife habitat, and protect water quality.
Pulling Together partners with Lachat Farm and Weston Public Schools to host invasive removal workshops. To date, they have accomplished 1,200+ hours of invasive removal work on town property in five years.
Lisa Brodlie
Lisa Brodlie is a retired registered nurse with a botanical background and an interest in invasive plants. Lisa has been a member of CIPWG since its inception and now serves on the steering committee, outreach and education committee, and most recently the advisory board for the invasive plant certificate program.
Lisa has spent the last two decades volunteering with local conservation organizations, like the Nature Conservancy, where she has volunteered her time and expertise on community outreach events, invasive removal sessions, and advocacy opportunities.
Her latest invasive removal project involves restoring the riparian buffer at Lachat Town Farm in Weston, CT.
Sarah Hutchison is a retired cost engineer with a passion for ecological gardening. Born in Scotland UK, Sarah moved to the USA in 2001 and put down roots in the invasive plant community when she participated in the UConn Master Gardener program.
Her interest in native plants inspired her to launch the Weston Pollinator Pathway in 2019, leading to her current partnership with Lachat Town Farm and the Weston Schools to plant pollinator gardens and remove invasive plants on town property.
Sarah was a member of the Town of Weston Sustainability Committee from 2019-2024, where she focused on creating more education and awareness among town residents of land stewardship practices that support wildlife and protect our natural resources.
Mike Aikenhead
Mike Aikenhead is a passionate educator who has transformed Environmental Science at WHS since joining the school in 2017. In 2023, he launched Sustainable Solutions, an innovative project-based learning class that empowers students to tackle real-world environmental challenges within the school and local community. That same year, Mike was named Weston's Teacher of the Year and honored as a Connecticut State Semi-Finalist.
Before coming to Weston, he expanded the Environmental Science program at Staples High School, where he was recognized as Westport's 2010 Teacher of the Year. Beyond the classroom, Mike served as the original Steward and Executive Director of Westport's Wakeman Town Farm. For the past 17 years, he has also been a dedicated Adult Team Advisor for Builders Beyond Borders, a student leadership program that conducts service trips in Latin America.
Mike's support of Pulling Together reflects his unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and his belief in the power of young people to drive meaningful change.
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast Business Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast Meeting. Program: Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, Scarlett Lewis
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
NO MEETING
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast Meeting. Program: Green Up Day
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast Meeting. Annual Club Meeting For Elections
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast. Program: Kiwanis Club of Weston Service And Leadership Awards
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
NO MEETING
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast and Youth Awards.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Kiwanis Convention 2025
KIWANIS CONVENTION 2025 • PITTSBURGH, PA • JUNE 25-28
Forging the future
Pittsburgh is known for its innovative industries, thriving cultural scene and a landscape distinguished by rivers and bridges. Of course, the city is also known for its place at the heart of American steel manufacturing. Join us in Pittsburgh for the 2025 Kiwanis International Convention. Be a part of the education, fellowship and decision-making that will forge the organization’s future.
Kiwanis Convention 2025
KIWANIS CONVENTION 2025 • PITTSBURGH, PA • JUNE 25-28
Forging the future
Pittsburgh is known for its innovative industries, thriving cultural scene and a landscape distinguished by rivers and bridges. Of course, the city is also known for its place at the heart of American steel manufacturing. Join us in Pittsburgh for the 2025 Kiwanis International Convention. Be a part of the education, fellowship and decision-making that will forge the organization’s future.
Kiwanis Convention 2025
KIWANIS CONVENTION 2025 • PITTSBURGH, PA • JUNE 25-28
Forging the future
Pittsburgh is known for its innovative industries, thriving cultural scene and a landscape distinguished by rivers and bridges. Of course, the city is also known for its place at the heart of American steel manufacturing. Join us in Pittsburgh for the 2025 Kiwanis International Convention. Be a part of the education, fellowship and decision-making that will forge the organization’s future.
Kiwanis Convention 2025
KIWANIS CONVENTION 2025 • PITTSBURGH, PA • JUNE 25-28
Forging the future
Pittsburgh is known for its innovative industries, thriving cultural scene and a landscape distinguished by rivers and bridges. Of course, the city is also known for its place at the heart of American steel manufacturing. Join us in Pittsburgh for the 2025 Kiwanis International Convention. Be a part of the education, fellowship and decision-making that will forge the organization’s future.
Club Meeting. Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
NO MEETING
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
NO MEETING
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
NO MEETING
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
NO MEETING
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
NO MEETING
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
NO MEETING
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
NO MEETING
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
NO MEETING
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
NO MEETING
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
14th Annual Reservoir Run
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club Meeting. Breakfast meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.